NBA Team Makes New Signing One Month Before Training Camp

New Orleans Pelicans' Rotation Won't Be Easy To Break Into

McDaniels averaged 0.3 assists and 0.3 steals in four games last season for the Washington Wizards. Since being drafted in 2019, McDaniels has represented the Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors and the Wizards.

He's averaged 6.7 points and 3.3 rebounds over his career, bringing a 3-and-D skillset to the team but still having major question marks around his long-term viability in the NBA. He played extensively in the G League for the Memphis Hustle and Capital City Go-Go's last season, averaging 13.8 points and 7.3 rebounds.

McDaniels will probably be behind Trey Murphy III, Herbert Jones, and Saddiq Bey in the rotation, giving the Pelicans an extra body if they're struck down with another injury crisis like last season.

Jones is expected to return from a torn labrum next season, while Bey will be making a comeback after a season out from an ACL tear.

McDaniels will have to wait for an opportunity to prove himself and hope that he can earn a regular spot in the rotation, if he even makes it to the Pelicans' 2025-26 roster on opening day.

The Pelicans Are Pushing To Win Now

After a 21-61 finish last season, the Pelicans are eyeing a return to Playoff contention next season. The team traded away its first-round pick for the 2026 Draft to move up and draft Queen, so a losing season will not be advantageous to the franchise.

Zion Williamson is expected to be the clear-cut leader of the team. Brandon Ingram left the team at last season's trade deadline, while CJ McCollum was traded to acquire Jordan Poole this summer.

Williamson averaged 24.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.3 assists last season, while Poole averaged 20.5 points and 4.5 assists. This duo, alongside Murphy III, Jones, and rookies such as Queen and Fears, will be hoping to help the Pelicans reach the playoffs after a two-year absence.